I am becoming an illustrator. Wait, scratch that, I AM an illustrator. I have always been an artist but I guess somewhere in between moving to a new country, learning a new language, becoming a wife, a mother, and running a food truck business with my husband , I forgot about the artist. After years of being ignored, that little artist voice began speaking to me again. This time, she couldn’t be ignored.
I guess I could say that illustration chose me (sounds corny) , but it’s true. Drawing has always been a big part of my life.
As a kid, I was always doodling characters and took every art class that I could (even summer school courses). I was
that art kid. I went on to study Fashion design in college and really loved the painting and sketching classes.After university, I moved to New York and got a desk job in the interior decorating field, sitting behind a computer, scheduling orders for designers. Eventually, I got further and further away from that little artist.
How did I become an illustrator?
Simple. I said “I’m an illustrator” and then I took action. I began teaching myself graphic design with the help of the internet. I watched and practiced tutorials every night to learn how draw using digital design software. I drew even when I didn’t really want to, when I was tired, after a long day of work, and taking care of the kids and cleaning up.
-What kept me motivated?
”I realized that I was getting better!”
I began posting my illustration work on my Instagram page and started to get some requests for commissions. I kept posting and got more freelance work because of it.
What’s Next?
There are so many things that I want to do. I have a lot of projects scheduled. I opened a shop on Etsy (Click here to visit!) and will soon be opening another on Society6. Each week, you can see my speed drawing videos on my YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe.
A few helpful resources on illustration
http://www.saetastudio.com/blog
https://www.vanessabrantleynewton.com/
Websites
http://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/tutorials/
Inkscape – open source vector graphics software
Videos
Frannerd
Istvan Szep – Inkscape
Nick Saporito – Inkscape
Podcasts
Creative Pep Talk
Artist Helping Artists
